It was 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
